The 17 Best Things To Do In Frederick, Maryland

Less than an hour from D.C., Baltimore, and Gettysburg, the town of Frederick, Maryland, is an amicable people-pleaser. Much like its longstanding neighbors, Frederick offers plenty of beautiful old architecture to behold, storied landmarks to see, and interesting histories to uncover. But what makes this city such a people-pleaser—and a true pleasure to visit—is how much else it has to offer.

Frederick isn’t huge; it’s home to around 82,000 residents, but it far outkicks its coverage when it comes to things that delight visitors and keep locals singing the praises of their hometown. Whether you’re in the mood to wander a vibrant downtown (try 50 blocks), spend some time in the gorgeous great outdoors, or treat yourself to a winery, brewery, or distillery tour, Frederick delivers. The county’s motto is “Rich History, Bright Future,” and if the city’s current character and charm are any indication of what’s to come, then we’ll be talking about all the wonderful reasons to visit Frederick for years to come.

Explore Downtown Frederick

The city’s 50-block historic district is a gold mine of opportunity. With more than 200 locally owned shops, boutiques, galleries, museums, restaurants, and bars, there’s never a dull moment.

Play “I Spy” with Public Art

Art and history go hand-in-hand, so while you marvel at the Greek Revival, Italianate, Federal, and Late Victorian architecture found in churches, museums, mansions, and even castles around town, be sure to look a little closer and appreciate the many murals, sculptures, and other public art installations around town. A few to look out for include the Lester Bowie mural on Market Street, the Clustered Spires glass etchings on the elevated walkway at Citizens Way, and the many sculptures in Carroll Creek Park and at The Delaplaine Arts Center and Sculpture Garden.

Shop Local

Whether you’re looking to add to your art collection, get a jump on Christmas shopping, or just pick out something nice for yourself, there all kinds of one-of-a-kind shops to explore in downtown Frederick. The Dancing Bear carries unplugged toys for kids of all ages. Curious Iguana offers shelves and shelves of books in every genre, and Retro Metro is the spot for vintage heads and nostalgic collectors. If you’re seeking a wider (but always expertly curated) selection of home goods, try Crème de la Crème or The Muse.

Take a Walk Through the Park

When you need a temporary reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Frederick’s always happening downtown, it’s easy to get a breath of fresh at one of two public parks located in the heart of downtown. At Baker Park, you can walk or bike on several paths around a picturesque lake. Carroll Creek Park combines nature with city life on a mile-long walk that offers peaceful creek views on one side and lively businesses on the other.

Catch a Show at the Weinberg Center for the Arts

If you find yourself still around after dark, there’s no better place to cap off a wonderful day spent exploring historic downtown Frederick than at the Weinberg Center for the Arts, a historic theater that hosts regular film screening, live music performances, author visits, comedians, and more.  

Visit Historical and Cultural Sites

Explore a Pre-Revolutionary Industrial Village

If you want to get a glimpse into the Frederick of the past, pay a visit to the Catoctin Furnace Historic District, where you can tour structures, dating between 1774 and 1820, that are authentic to the pre-Revolutinary industrial village. In addition to seeing inside a log house, forgeman’s house, chapel, ironmaster’s mansion, and furnace, you can also learn more about the village’s first ironworkers in the Museum of the Iron Worker.

Expand Your Knowledge at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine

Dive a little deeper into the complexities of the Civil War by learning about a specific facet of our country’s deadliest war. Through three separate sites—the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, the Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum, and the Pry House Field Hospital Museum—you’ll have the opportunity to hear thousands of stories and see hundreds of artifacts all relating to medicine and caring for the war's wounded.

Get Out In Nature

Spend a Day in Catoctin Mountain Park

Managed by the National Park Service, this recreation area is a treasure trove of opportunity for outdoor pursuits. There are 25 miles of trails to hike, but you can also fish, camp, and even cross-country ski when the weather’s cold enough. If you only have a few hours, be sure to take the 3.9-mile hike to the top of Chimney Rock, where you’ll be privy to stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Hike to Cunningham Falls

Another worthwhile adventure to take on can be found at Cunningham Falls State Park.  As the name suggests, the thing to do here is see Cunningham Falls. Luckily, it’s easy to access thanks to a relatively flat 2.8-mile trail that leads directly to the stunning cascades.

Take a Long Bike Ride

If a pedal through beautiful scenery is more your speed, rent a bike and set out on one of the country’s most popular bike trails, the C&O Canal National Historical Park. The trail runs for 184 miles along the Potomac River, following the original C&O Canal and connecting the mountains of western Maryland to Georgetown in D.C. Fifteen miles of the trail run directly through Frederick County.

Visit a Local Farm

Take advantage of Frederick’s location in the middle of acres and acres of bucolic farm country by paying a visit or two to nearby working farms. Pick apples, cut your own bouquet, or find activities for the kids at places like Summers Farm, Baugher’s Orchard & Farms, and Homestead Farm.

Take Advantage Of The Food And Beverage Scene

Have a Fine Dining Dinner Out

Treat yourself to a nice dinner out by reserving a table at Thacher and Rye, where you can find fine dining dishes from Chef Bryan Voltaggio that make the most of seasonal ingredients. For a true taste of the Mid-Atlantic, order the Shellfish Tower as a luxurious starter. For a more casual experience, head to The Shed, the restaurant’s backyard bar and patio, where you can order Tiki drinks and a selection of snacks.

Start Your Day with Brunch

Nothing says vacation like a late morning of lounging, followed by a leisurely brunch. For the mid-morning crowd, try Hootch and Banter, Café Nola, or Showroom for a meal worth leaving the the coziness of your bed for.

Sip Through Carroll Creek Brewing District

If part of your regular vacation itinerary includes tasting the local craft brews, you can find several within easy walking distance of one another at Carroll Creek Linear Park. Places to visit include Attaboy Barrel House, Idiom Brewing Company, and Steinhardt Brewery.

Go Wine Tasting

For those who prefer merlot to a pale ale, Frederick is well-situated in the heart of the Western Mountain region of Maryland’s wine country. The Frederick Wine Trail connects eight wineries, each with their own distinct styles and vibes. Elk Run Vineyards & Winery was named one of the Top 100 Wineries on the East Coast and offers regular events like movie nights, live music, and even yoga. Another winery with gorgeous views is Hidden Hills Farm and Vineyards, which is located on a 100-acre horse farm.

Take a Distillery Tour

Complete the trifecta by taking a tour at one of Frederick’s many local distilleries. Downtown you’ll find McClintock Distilling Company; Dragon Distillery, which has been around since 2016; and Tenth Ward Distilling Company, a woman-owned operation specializing in non-traditional spirits like absinthe, Maryland rye whiskey, and Genever gin.

Relax In a Cozy Stay

Check In at a Classic B&B

There’s perhaps nowhere more magical to stay in Frederick than in the storybook Victorian home called 10 Clarke Place. With its scalloped siding, castle-like turret, and wraparound porch, the home practically screams bed and breakfast. Book one of five rooms and enjoy your morning with a three-course gourmet breakfast on the whimsical garden patio.

Book an Experience Stay

True history buffs can immerse themselves in the ways of yesteryear by reserving a night’s stay at the Forgeman’s House in Catoctin Furnace Historical District. The 1820 house has been restored to resemble its original appearance with antique furniture, handmade reproductions, and even traditional rope beds. Of course, a few modern amenities (a bathroom with a shower, gas fireplace, kitchen, and modern mattresses) have been added to keep your stay comfortable, but the overall experience of traveling back in time remains.